Sustainable Design Standards (2024)

Climate change:A long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns.CPTED:Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is the multidisciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. The four main principles are natural surveillance, natural access control, territoriality (the space is owned and cared for), and maintenance.Critical root zone:The area as measured by a 1-foot radius from the base of the tree’s trunk for each 1 inch of the tree’s diameter at breast height (DBH). The critical root zone (CRZ) may not be less than the diameter of the tree’s canopy (referred to as the dripline).DBH:The diameter at breast height for a tree is measured at 4.5 feet above-grade. On slopes this is measured from the ground on the upper side.Dwelling unit:A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.Embodied carbon:Greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials.Green infrastructure:The range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters.Greenway:A linear open space that includes a natural or landscaped trail for pedestrians and/or bicycles.Native plant:Indigenous plant that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human intervention. Native plants and native plant communities are best adapted to the local soils, climate, wildlife, and each other. Native plants are most successful in the sunlight, water, and nutrient conditions of their natural local habitat.Operational carbon:Greenhouse gas emissions from all energy sources used to keep buildings warm, cool, ventilated, lighted, and powered.Red List (2):1. The Red List as it refers to plants and animal species. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “Red List of Threatened Species”. 2. The Red List for building materials represents materials, chemicals, and elements that are of serious risk to human health and the planet’s ecosystems. These materials are to be avoided. The International Living Future Institute, Living Building Challenge Red List is updated annually and available at https://living-future.org/red-list/.Renewable Energy:Energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal resources, sunlight, water, and wind, that are naturally occurring resources that can be converted into types of clean, usable energy.Resilience:The ability of a system (e.g., family, neighborhood, community, country, biosphere) to cope with short-term disruptions and adapt to long-term changes without losing its essential character and while respecting its history and development.A/E:Architectural/EngineeringADA:Americans with Disabilities ActANSI:American National Standards InstituteAP:Accredited ProfessionalASHRAE:American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning EngineersBAS:Building Automation SystemBD+C:Building Design and ConstructionBMP:Best Management PracticeCity:City of RichmondCO:carbon monoxideCRZ:critical root zoneDBE:Disadvantaged Business EnterpriseDCV:demand-controlled ventilationDPW:Department of Public WorksENV SP:Envision Sustainability ProfessionalEPA:US Environmental Protection AgencyESB:Emerging Small BusinessEV:electric vehicleFEMA:Federal Emergency Management AgencyFSC:Forest Stewardship CouncilGPF:gallons per flushGPM:gallons per minuteHVAC:heating, ventilation and air conditioningID+C:Building Interior Design and ConstructionIECC:International Energy Conservation CodeIGCC:International Green Construction CodeIPM:integrated pest managementIUCN:International Union for Conservation of NatureLED:Light emitting diodeLEED:Leadership in Energy and Environmental DesignLPD:Lighting Power DensityMERV:Minimum Efficiency Reporting ValueMPH:miles per hourND:Neighborhood Development - LEEDNEMA:National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationO&M:Operations and maintenanceO+M:Building operations and maintenancePDR:Planning and Development ReviewPRCF:Parks, Recreation, and Community FacilitiesPV:PhotovoltaicSDS:Sustainable Design StandardsSF:Square feetSOV:single-occupancy vehicleSR:Solar reflectanceTDM:Transportation Demand ManagementUSGBC:US Green Building CouncilVA:VirginiaVOC:Volatile organic compound